Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics announced that the third Gulfstream G600 test aircraft successfully accomplished its maiden flight. The G600 took off at 8:51 a.m. from Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport on May 5, flying for a total of 4 hours and 35 minutes.
“The consistent execution of the G600 flight-test program is directly correlated to our investments in research and development and is a testament to the rigor and discipline of our processes,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “We take great pride in ensuring we deliver on our promises and look forward to our G600 entering service next year.”
The aircraft will go through several system tests mandatory for its 2018 certification by the Federal Aviation Administration, including field performance testing to evaluate handling in numerous runway configurations. The tests provide crucial statistics needed to produce takeoff and landing data for the Flight Manual’s environmental conditions and configurations.
The G600 flew for the first time on Dec. 17, 2016. The second G600 test aircraft flew about two months later on Feb. 24, 2017.
